History and background
Ireland was initially inhabited by hunter gathers over 7,000 years ago. By the 6th century B.C. waves of pagan Celts had invaded from Europe, bringing with them art forms still associated with Ireland. Christianity is said to have been introduced by St Patrick in the 5th century A.D. The abscence of Roman occupation and Medieval barbarian invasions allowed distinctly Irish forms of Christianity, arts and learning to flourish in the 6th - 8th centuries.
This wasn’t to last. During the 9th and 10th centuries, Ireland was raided by the Vikings followed by the invasion of the Normans in the 12th century. The invasion of the Normans brought an affiliation with England - both having the same king.
Turbulent relations with the English culminated in the 18th century the Act of Union, which enforced parliamentary unity of Ireland and Great Britain. The 19th century was dominated by the potato famine (during which Ireland lost almost a quarter of its population through starvation and migration) and the fight for independence. In 1921, the Anglo-Irish agreement resulted in a division of the island between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Irish community in Brent
Brent is home to one of the largest Irish groups in London, with the highest proportion of Irish born residents in London (7%).
Irish immigrants are known to have settled in Brent as early as the 1840’s, when the potato famine triggered widespread emigration of Irish people. After the Second World War the Greater London Plan called for massive slum clearing and rebuilding in Kilburn Vale and south Kilburn. Many of the building labourers engaged on these schemes were Irish. It was during this period that the area became known as the Irish centre of Brent. Read one man's account of moving to Brent on the Project WW website.
Nowadays the Irish presence is as vibrant as ever and can be seen in areas such as the Kilburn Mile and at the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Information for the Irish Community
The following Irish community organisations registered on BRAIN can provide specialist information, advice and support.
How to claim an Irish Birth Certificate - If you were born in Ireland, you should be able to obtain a copy of your birth certificate.
Social Welfare - If you are receiving social security benefits in Britain and intend moving to Ireland, it's necessary to take steps before travel to ensure continuity of payment,
The Traveller Law Reform Bill - is the product of over years of discussion and collaboration by Gypsies and Travellers and their organisations including BIAS and Irish Travellers Project.
Useful telephone numbers
The Irish section of the culture zone was developed in Partnership with BIAS (Brent Irish Advisory Service)